Mission Today- Autumn/ Winter 2024

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Cover image: A child looking forward to a brighter future in Mongolia, thanks to the work of missionaries on the ground.

Editor: Astrid Delayre

Contributors: Elizabeth Heath, Matthew Gibson

Photos: Simone Medri, Catholic Mission partners

Design: Maria Fernanda Ramos, Smarta By Design

Printed by: BMS Group

Names of people under 18 have been changed.

Catholic Mission acknowledges that we live and work on the land of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respect to the ever‑present spirituality of Elders past and present.

This publication may include images of deceased persons.

This magazine is printed on Grange. Grange Offset (70 120gsm) is PEFC certified. Manufactured in facilities with ISO 14001 EMS certification and made elemental chlorine free with ISO 9706 Longlife certification.

Grange Board is proudly manufactured FSC certified using pulp sourced from responsibly managed forests and is made with elemental chlorine free pulps.

A Message from the National Director

I am pleased to welcome you to this edition of Mission Today. In this issue we highlight the deep commitment of Catholic Mission to reach out to the margins of society and to our sisters and brothers who are most in need.

With a focus on the projects accomplished hand-in-hand with the local communities and through the Pontifical Mission Societies, we aim to take you on a journey showing the life-giving impact of our work, thanks to the dedication of missionaries worldwide who turn Mission into action.

This year, we will particularly take you on a journey to Mongolia, with one of the smallest Catholic communities in the world. We are honoured to learn from His Eminence Cardinal Giorgio Marengo I.M.C., Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, who shares the voices of the people and communities he serves and his unique experience on the ground as a missionary.

I hope that you will enjoy reading the interesting contributions in this issue and that it will inspire you to become agents of change.

Yours in Mission,

© Copyright Catholic Mission 2024 ABN 52 945 927 066

Fr Brian Lucas National Director

Answering Pope Francis’ Call

Since World Youth Day 2023, the phrase “Todos, todos, todos…” (everyone, everyone, everyone…) spoken by Pope Francis has resonated in the hearts of many.

This is a message of unity that Pope Francis has also chosen as a key theme for his 2024 World Mission Sunday message. Inspired by Matthew (22:09), “Go and invite everyone to the banquet”, Pope Francis is echoing the importance of inclusion.

Guided by Gospel values, Catholic Mission is answering the Pope’s call to create pathways of inclusion and dialogue.

The Gospel is made to gather, not divide; to invite, not to exclude; and this is the message Pope Francis is spreading. He is reminding everyone of the importance of sharing the Gospel and, above all, reaching out and inviting everyone to be part of the celebration.

our sisters and brothers at the fringe of society.

This year, Catholic Mission and the Pontifical Mission Societies will continue to work hand-in-hand with local communities around the world. At the global and local level, we will support life-giving projects and the missionaries who are on the ground to reach further and provide a helping hand to our sisters and brothers most in need.

Central to this journey will be the importance of recognising that we are all called to be missionaries. Pope Francis highlights in his message:

Let us not forget that every Christian is called to take part in this universal mission by offering his or her own witness to the Gospel in every context.”

Learn more

Represented in the 2024 theme logo designed by Catholic Mission, we aim to extend the invitation to the banquet, which is a celebration of community, an open dialogue of faith, and our commitment to welcome first

With a spirit of inclusion and unity as the focus, we invite you to join us on this journey to become agents of change to create a more just world. Together, let’s extend this invitation far and wide, building bridges of solidarity and unity.

Above: Pope Francis being greeted by children during his landmark visit to Mongolia in 2023.

Helping to Shape a Harmonious Future

Interfaith dialogue is key to shaping a harmonious future. It enables people from different religions and backgrounds to express themselves freely and work together towards building a sustainable society. This is especially the case in Mongolia, where interfaith dialogue between religious leaders is foundational to future cohesion.

While accounting for only a small proportion of the country’s population, the Catholic Church has a seat at the table among the main religions, allowing it to take part in important discussions.

Today, the work of the Catholic Church in Mongolia focuses on providing social services to the people, thanks to the missionaries on the ground. Their work is made possible because of the mutual understanding and respect that exists for each other’s values and traditions, a key teaching of the Gospel.

His Eminence Cardinal Giorgio Marengo I.M.C., Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, defines the Gospel values as “universal and open to all cultures and traditions”.

Cardinal Marengo, who has ministered in Mongolia for more than 20 years, sheds light on the nuanced approach of “whispering the Gospel”, a concept introduced by an Indian missionary in Asia, Monsignor Thomas Menamparapmpil,

Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati. This method underlines the importance of establishing deep, personal connections before sharing the Gospel’s message, an approach that Cardinal Marengo has embraced throughout his missionary work.

Over the years Cardinal Marengo has developed a deep understanding of Mongolian culture, valuing soft speech as a sign of respect and confidentiality. This approach not only honours the delicate nature of religious discourse but also embodies the deep-seated reverence that underpins the missionary’s presence in Mongolia, making every word, whispered in trust and respect, truly precious. As Cardinal Marengo explains:

I found that expression included the most important aspects of evangelisation. Because we whisper only when there is a relationship already established between individuals…a deep relationship that has been built over a long time.”

“It calls for the process of entering into a society as we all do as missionaries and building up relationships or friendships with people around us. Then the content of this whispering is the Gospel.”

Above: Pope Francis with Cardinal Marengo greeting the people of Mongolia.

Cardinal Marengo

Language: Mongolian

Capital: Ulaanbaatar

Population: 3,398,366 (2022)

Catholic rate: 0.04%

Number of parishes: 8 Parishes 1 Chapel

Economy: Industry, mining, nomadic pastoralism

Main challenges: High poverty rate, gender-based violence, homelessness, limited teaching resources

Focus on Mission: Mongolia

This year we invite you to discover one of the smallest Catholic communities in the world, the Church of Mongolia, and the missionaries creating pathways of hope and equality.

Located between Russia and China, Mongolia is known for its harsh weather, often dropping to -40 degrees Celsius in winter, creating tough conditions for its people.

Rich in culture and tradition, Mongolia is a country of diversity and religiosity. From only 14 Mongolian Catholics recognised in 1995, the community has grown to 1500 Catholics in 2022.

As the missionaries work toward building a stronger economy and society, there is a critical need for people in vulnerable situations to access social services.

Finding its space in the Mongolian landscape, the Catholic Church has become an essential social services provider, bringing hope to many thanks to the dedication of the missionaries on the ground. This year, we amplify their voices around the world.

Left: A young boy from the Don Bosco Caring Center, Mongolia, proudly sharing his artwork.

Above: Namdag Ivgeelt, a social worker bringing hope to many children at the Center.

Visionary Church Leadership

As the first Cardinal in the history of Mongolia and one of the youngest members of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo’s missionary work is marked by a commitment to interfaith dialogue, community building and pastoral care.

Born in Italy, Cardinal Marengo’s missionary journey to Mongolia began after his ordination as a priest in 2001, when he was sent to serve one of the smallest Catholic communities in the world and develop missionary work on the ground.

Elevated to the role of Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar in 2020 and named Cardinal in 2022, Cardinal Marengo’s unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have played a crucial part in establishing the Catholic Church as an essential social services provider, giving much-needed support to the local communities.

His work continues to be a beacon of hope and faith, showcasing the Catholic Church’s dedication to reaching out to all people, especially the most vulnerable. Cardinal Marengo defines the place of the Church succinctly:

Mongolia is a very stable country with a good tradition of democracy in which the Catholic Church tries her best to play her role of promoting peace and harmony and development for all people.”

Central to his work is creating genuine connections with people. Based on the principle of whispering the Gospel, Cardinal Marengo has learned to open his mind and heart to the people he shares his life with, truly connecting and being ‘faith-in-action’.

“We spend our training period really trying our best to listen to the reality and to deepen our knowledge of the people with whom we share our life,” says Cardinal Marengo.

Above: Cardinal Marengo, a missionary pioneer in Mongolia.

Teaching for a Better Life

Brother Andrew Tran Le Phuong SDB is the Financial Administrator of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, the Project Manager for the House of Mercy and the Don Bosco Caring Center.

Born in Vietnam, Br Andrew experienced numerous vocations before discerning his calling as a Salesian Brother 25 years ago. Close to his heart was the desire to contribute to helping young people, especially as he witnessed many youths struggling to access education.

“Seeing many young people in difficulty in getting a good quality education, I have dreamt of becoming a teacher, not to teach, but to offer some opportunity to the young people. But education - which I was not able to get when I was young - is why to be a teacher was always my inspiration,” said Br Andrew.

Through his vocation, he has been able to provide a unique avenue of service to youth.

First, he was sent to Papua New Guinea as a missionary in early 2000 to learn how to teach at a technical school. Br Andrew took part in the first missionary expedition in Mongolia in 2000, before settling in the country in 2014, as one of the five Salesian missionaries at the newly established Catholic Community.

Finding his place in this new community, Br Andrew started to restore equipment and train people in Ulaanbaatar. Dedicated to enhancing education and health services, he now prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable people, recognising the growing disparities in the rapidly changing capital city. Br Andrew highlights the growing need to take action:

Eighty per cent of the service of the Church here is for the social education of the marginalised people in the country.”

Today, Br Andrew is in charge of the finance of the Prefecture and is managing essential life-giving projects, such as the Don Bosco Caring Center and the House of Mercy, which are contributing to providing much-needed services to the people who struggle the most.

Learn more

Above: Br Andrew in the House of Mercy, which is providing essential services to the people most in need.

Young boys accessing clean water in Shuvuu Parish, Mongolia.

Providing Warmth for Children in the Coldest Capital

In the centre of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the Don Bosco Caring Center is giving hope to children whose lives have been marred by circumstances beyond their control. With the open spaces and fresh air, these children find peace and security within the Center’s walls.

Established in 2003, the Center is dedicated to providing a secure environment and shelter for some of the children who live on the streets in the world’s coldest capital.

Namdag Ivgeelt, a social worker at the Center since 2021, knows the profound impact this haven has on the lives of so many children, providing not just shelter but a chance for a brighter future. She shares:

In Mongolia, many children become victims of domestic violence…making them lose any interest in being at home, or making them run away from home.”

“For forty per cent of the children, we don’t know where their parents are. For the others, alcohol addiction, poverty,

and domestic and family violence mean that parents are unable to take care of their children.”

The Center’s role is crucial, especially considering the harsh Mongolian winters which see temperatures dropping to -40 degrees Celsius. Children who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves are able to find warmth, food and care at the Center.

The story of Otgonbayar, found abandoned at seven days old and brought to the Center, highlights the transformative power of love and care. Initially withdrawn, he blossomed into a confident, happy child, showcasing the Center’s impact on young lives.

Supporting the Don Bosco Caring Center means contributing to a cause that goes beyond immediate needs, echoing Pope Francis’s message for World Mission Day 2024. It is a way of extending a family’s warmth to the people who have none, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. The Center’s mission is a testament to the power of compassion and collective action in changing lives.

Above:

Children from the Don Bosco Caring Center learning for a brighter future.

Generally, we carry out research work to find out where the parents reside. After that, we work with the child, and provide our child development and protection services. The more the child grows up, the more he asks about his parents. Such talks occur frequently. So, for me, it is preferable they have regular contact with their parents.

Our teachers, psychologists, directors, managers, and all those who are working with children, accept these children as their own. When working, we always think ‘Why is this child so different? How can we make him not sad? How can we make him capable of openly expressing himself? How can we make him happy?’ We talk with these children individually. Only when the child is seen as the most valuable person, he becomes a better person, opens up his inner worries, and becomes more relaxed. This is the way I work.

Besides the legislation for the care and protection of children, what we really need are childcare centres. In the absence of such centres, the children will end up on the streets without any supervision.

For children whose rights have been violated, abandoned or rejected by their parents, our Center becomes their second home. Children’s safety can be protected the most in care and welfare centres.

Those children who came to our Don Bosco Caring Center when they were little are now learning, maturing and having their safety protected.

Namdag Ivgeelt, Social Worker.

1. Could you please introduce yourself and your role at Catholic Mission?

I am Elizabeth Heath, and since December 2023 I have been the National Schools Engagement Manager at Catholic Mission. Previously, I was the Child and Youth Engagement Coordinator at UNICEF Australia. What I like most about working at Catholic Mission is the passion and devotion of our team.

2. Can you tell us what Socktober is and how it plays a role in teaching children about Mission?

Socktober serves as a catalyst for inspiring students to actively participate in their local communities and combat poverty through soccer, a universal game. It empowers young individuals in Australia to become agents of change, prompting them to consider not only the actions they’ll take to make a difference but also the underlying motivations driving those actions.

3. Could you explain how Socktober operates and its impact globally?

Learn more

We invite you to read Talking Mission, the newly introduced interview corner, where guests share their own missionary experience and outline how they turn Mission into action. Get inspired today.

Catholic Mission plays a crucial role in the Catholic international mission development arena by providing funding and support to Church-run missionary programs in remote and developing regions. Socktober serves as a powerful avenue through which we highlight and support specific projects. For example, the 2023 Socktober campaign featured Catholic Mission’s work in Timor-Leste, highlighting the important work of the Salesian Sisters in Venilale, a rural town in a country struggling with poverty. Thanks to our fundraising

Meet Elizabeth Heath, the new face of Catholic Mission’s Socktober program.

efforts in schools, last year students and their communities helped raise more than $560,000 for mission projects worldwide. Consequently, Socktober provides students with the opportunity to make a profound impact on communities in need, not only in Timor-Leste but globally.

4. How does teaching children about Mission assist them in growing into more mindful youths and young adults?

Introducing children to Mission at a young age lays the foundation for their development into mindful and socially conscious individuals. By instilling values of compassion, service and global solidarity, we nurture a generation of young people who are attuned to the needs of others and committed to making a difference. Through initiatives like Socktober, children not only learn about the importance of giving back but also gain practical experience in taking action for causes greater than themselves. As they grow into young adults, these experiences shape their worldview and instil a lifelong commitment to service and justice.

By integrating Mission into their education we empower children to become thoughtful and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.”

5. How is Socktober providing students with tangible ways to make a difference?

As someone with a background in children’s rights and youth engagement, I am passionate about involving young people in the work of Mission in a meaningful way. Authentic engagement with children and youth begins with listening to their voices and understanding their perspectives, learning from their insights, values, and aspirations. Many young people are passionate about issues such as social justice, climate change, poverty alleviation, and refugee rights. Providing them with a platform to express their ideas and empowering them to take action are important ways of effectively engaging with them. That’s why we’ve been conducting co-design workshops in schools, where we listen to students’ thoughts on Socktober and how they envision participating in not only fundraising but also in Mission formation activities. By authentically engaging with young people, we foster genuine connections and cultivate a shared commitment to making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

Life-changing Immersion

Late in 2023, a group of Year 11 students from St John the Evangelist Catholic High School in Nowra embarked on a life-changing Immersion to communities in Darwin and the Tiwi Islands.

The first phase of the three-part program, ‘Prepare yourself for the journey’, saw students discussing their hopes and expectations for the upcoming trip with the facilitator. This moment of exchange was crucial in preparing them to embrace a new culture and environment.

“Being uncomfortable enough to grow and make the most of the experience. It’s not a pleasant feeling at first, but it’s a great win when you understand and have managed to harness it. It’s a great opportunity for personal growth,” said Wayne Marshall, Principal of St John the Evangelist Catholic High School.

‘Let the adventure begin’ was when students took a deep dive into the host culture, growing their empathy, humanity, faith, and responsibility.

During their trip, numerous students realised their adaptability, particularly those who had limited travel experience and were new to Aboriginal culture.

“I think the walk at Kakadu and having Graham, a Limilngan-Wulna, Wairi senior Elder, explain all these things to us was really eye-opening because you can’t get that information from just reading the signs and stuff there...with someone who is part of that cultural group, it’s a really good way of seeing from their eyes what’s going on in those paintings,” said one of students.

Upon their return, ‘Come back changed and challenged’ was an opportunity for students to process with their minds what their hearts felt during the Immersion. One of the students reflected:

You could say that you take a lot of things for granted, and seeing how other people live really changed my perspective.”

Learn more

Above: Students playing sports with local children during the Immersion.

Making Affordable Healthcare Accessible to All

Established in 1958, St Elizabeth Hospital serves the community of Hyderabad, Sindh Province, in Pakistan. The private Hospital, run by the Columbans, focuses on providing affordable healthcare that is accessible to all.

“We aim to provide the best possible quality healthcare at the lowest possible cost with a preferential option for those in greatest need, to provide the highest level of mother and child care, and to be the leader in Hyderabad in providing palliative care,” said Eric Siraj, the Hospital Administrator.

St Elizabeth Hospital provides much-needed services to the local community. With an 80-bed facility, the Hospital offers healthcare services to people of all faiths and provides training to nurses and midwives to ensure a high level of care.

The Hospital is also a leader in palliative care, having established the first home-based palliative care service in the country. Eric is leading the implementation of this new service.

“We are the only pioneer of home-based palliative care in Pakistan. It is also totally free for the patients,” he explained.

More than providing medication, the home-based palliative care service plays an essential role in educating families about illnesses as many believe that terminal illnesses such as cancer can be transmissible.

Palliative care nurses spend time with the families to teach them how to care for their loved ones and reassure them about the disease, which ultimately gives back dignity to the patient.

“They go to the family and teach them how to provide nursing care, dressings, and whatever is required. So, that is the big breakthrough that the Catholic Church is doing in Hyderabad,” commented Eric.

The strength of St Elizabeth Hospital can be found in the resilience and dedication of the missionaries on the ground who, like Eric, are deeply passionate about the Hospital’s impact on the local community.

Learn more

Above: Fr Brian Lucas visiting St Elizabeth Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan.

Evaluating the Impact of the Interfaith Encounters Program

Catholic Mission is partnering with the Challenging Racism Project at Western Sydney University for a landmark study on the Interfaith Encounters Program. The study aims to evaluate its impact on fostering interfaith dialogue among youth.

“This partnership with Western Sydney University is a great opportunity to see the work we have been doing over the past few years with students recognised for the impact it is having in creating greater social cohesion,” said Catherine Towiro, the Interfaith Encounters Program Coordinator. “The data collected will enable us to further our work and provide more value to the students and partners engaging in it.”

Established a few years ago by Catholic Mission, the Interfaith Encounters Program brings together senior students from diverse faith backgrounds. It provides a platform for students and staff to develop new friendships, celebrate differences, deepen faith, and promote peace and social cohesion.

To conduct the research, students enrolled in the program are invited to complete two surveys - one before the program starts and another at its

conclusion. Through these surveys many factors are assessed, including the students’ demographics, attitudes towards cultural and religious diversity, confidence in interfaith activities, and experiences of discrimination.

This methodological approach will enable the research team to gather detailed insights into the effectiveness of the program in promoting interfaith understanding and anti-racism action. Catherine shares:

Through the findings, we aim to boost confidence among schools, religious leaders and community groups to support and participate in interfaith activity, as it strives to promote harmony and resilience across diverse communities.”

The study is significant for its potential to inform the ongoing development of the Interfaith Encounters Program, and to see it grow in the coming years.

Above: Students taking part in the Interfaith Encounters Program.

Legacy of Hope

Including a gift in your Will to a cause close to your heart is one way of creating a lasting legacy, reflective of your values and greatest hopes for future generations.

A gift in your Will to Catholic Mission can enable us to continue supporting the tireless and life-changing work missionaries, as they strive to create brighter futures for children and communities in need.

“I’ve been gifted with so, so much. So I just give,” said Neva Sultana, a Catholic Mission supporter who has decided to leave a gift in her Will to support the work of Mission around the world.

Discussing her decision, Neva shared her story and outlined why she wanted to include Catholic Mission in her Will. Her story is inspiring and helps us to reflect on the importance of selflessness and giving:

“When I was younger, I was asked to travel to China as a missionary and teach at a university. The part of China I went to was the equivalent of a regional city, but in 1990 its population was larger than all of Australia. This time away opened my eyes and made me grateful for the simple things in life.

“We are blessed with opportunities in Australia. Even if you do not come from a wealthy family, you have everything you need here – healthcare, food, a roof over your head, the natural beauty of our country. There are people around the world who don’t have access to clean water, electricity, the things that we take for granted here.

Everyone is a child of God, everyone is my brother and sister no matter if they’re my neighbour or somewhere overseas. If they are suffering, I can help them with what I have today.”

“I have made a gift in my Will to Catholic Mission so that I can support the missionaries who dedicate their life to serving others and serving their communities in need.”

Like Neva, a gift in your Will to Catholic Mission can create a legacy of hope for children and communities around the world. If you would like to learn more about the impact a gift in your Will can have, please call 1800 257 296 or email wills@catholicmission.org.au

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Above: Neva Sultana, a Catholic Mission supporter, who has decided to further her legacy by including a gift in her Will.